Lens Selection

We all spend a lot of time picking out the perfect frame to express our personality. Yet sometimes, many of us ignore the most important part of the package: lenses. Your frames may draw you compliments, but it’s your lenses that do the important work of helping you see. Making the wrong choice or being improperly fit can lead to disappointment and poor vision.

The opticians of Strong Vision are passionate about lenses.

We have dozens of lens options ranging from standard plastic to feather light polycarbonate and digitally enhanced lenses. This way we can offer a variety of choices to best suit your needs and fit your budget. No matter what you choose, our lens packages have one thing in common. Dollar-for-dollar they deliver the best optics you’ll find. Good optics is important to us, and it should be to you, too. If you depend on your glasses for long stretches of time, high-quality optics reduces eye strain and lets you see better. And, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune.

Whatever you choose, all our lenses carry warranties that are at, or above, industry standards. And each one is precisely fit to your eyes and installed into your frame with a jeweler’s attention to detail.

A Guide to Lenses

Lens Types

Lenses are just like tools. Some are best suited for one job while others work better elsewhere. Like multi-tools, lenses that perform many functions may do what you need, but might compromise on performance.

Single Vision

These lenses are set for one viewing distance only, which may be near, intermediate or distance. Their uses could include driving glasses (for distance) computer glasses (for intermediate tasks) or reading glasses (for close-up vision). Like many lenses, single vision lenses can correct a condition called astigmatism. This is an imperfection in the eye which may cause your focus to be blurry at all distances.

Bi-focal

Bifocals are sectioned into two distinct parts, which give the user clear distance and near (generally) vision, with no transition or correction in between. Like single vision lenses, bi-focals can also correct astigmatism (usually the distance part).

Progressive

These lenses have three main zones including distance, intermediate and reading. This allows users with many needs to enjoy the convenience of not having to take their glasses on and off while seeing at all distances with one lens. Progressive lenses can also accommodate astigmatism. Choosing this lens type may affect your frame selection. These lenses tend to be bigger to  account for the multiple regions of focusing power.

Aspheric

Conventional lenses have a front surface that is spherical, meaning it has the same curve across its entire surface. Aspheric lenses have a more complex front surface that gradually changes in curvature from the center of the lens out to the edge. This allows the lenses to be slimmer, lighter and may provide clearer vision.

Materials

Budget, prescription, safety and the desire for the crispest possible vision play equal parts in choosing the right lens material for you.

Plastic

The most affordable option, plastic is lighter than glass, highly scratch resistant and also protects the eyes from UV light.

Polycarbonate

These lenses are made of a type of plastic that is more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses. They are also much thinner and lighter in weight than plastic and block UV light. Because of these characteristics, it is widely held as the material of choice for children’s lenses, sport lenses and safety lenses.

Trivex

This is a relatively new material that is similar to polycarbonate lenses but with higher quality optics providing  clearer vision. Trivex is lighter in weight than standard plastic but not quite as thin as polycarbonate. It is UV protective and just as impact resistant as polycarbonate.

Hi-index

These lenses are made of a special plastic that focuses light in a different way than regular plastic lenses. This allows vision to be corrected with less material, making the lens much thinner and lighter. Because of their weight, Hi-index lenses tend to be more comfortable to wear and better for patients with high prescriptions.

Lens Treatments

After selecting the right type of lens and material that best suits your needs, there are a variety treatment options available to make your glasses more durable, comfortable and convenient to wear. Each can be priced a-la-carte according to your budget.

UV Coating

All lenses we carry have coating that blocks at least 99% of the UV rays your eyes are exposed to.

Scratch Coating

Scratches can affect the performance and enjoyment of your glasses. Most of the lenses we stock are already scratch-resistant and carry a minimum one year warranty. Additional protective coatings may be available based on your choice of lens.

Anti-Reflective Treatment

Glare is a common problem with glasses since lens materials reflect light. Our opticians can recommend several treatments that cut down on glare, reduce eye strain and improve your vision during both day and night. They also allow others to see your eyes more clearly. These coatings come with single or multi-year warranties.

Transitions®

This special treatment turns your clear lenses to sunglasses when they are exposed to UV light (sunlight). When you return indoors - or to your car - your lenses turn clear again. Transitions® come in a variety of tint colors including gray and brown.

Tinting

Some people may have specific eye conditions where a doctor recommends filtering a specific color of light. To accomplish this we can permanently tint the color of your lens to a specific color.